Skoda Kylaq Automatic India Road Test Review: Is It The Enthusiasts Choice?
Automatics have become popular in the Indian market and more so in the sub-4m space. In the recently launched Kylaq, the automatic has been a popular choice so we decided to test it in real world conditions. The Kylaq 1.0l turbo petrol has a 6-speed torque converter automatic and that's a proper auto gearbox rather than an AMT. Across the Skoda line-up, automatic transmissions are offered and in the Kylaq it's available throughout the range while not being only for the top-end variants.
Immediately, the transmission felt smooth while being responsive in terms of the shifts. We also liked the fact that it has proper steering mounted paddles which further add more engagement and we used it to best extract from the engine. The engine is fun and has a muscular midrange with ample power which matches well with the smooth automatic gearbox. Hence, the performance of the TSI stands out here compared to rivals.
Plus, like the manual, it is dynamically the most capable sub 4m SUV with good grip, handling and a precise steering feel. The suspension is on the sportier side and has the same sturdy toughness you expect from the other premium Skoda cars too. Further brownie points include the 189mm ground clearance which gobbles up most of the bad roads or speed breakers save for a slightly firm ride.
In terms of the efficiency, expect the automatic Kylaq to deliver around 10-14 kmpl which is roughly on par with the manual version.
Overall, the Kylaq automatic is probably the most complete AT sub 4m SUV in terms of the tough build quality, performance and the handling while the automatic is also smooth for daily use. If getting a Kylaq, the automatic is the recommended variant to get in terms of convenience and smoothness.
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